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Sex differences in autoimmune disease

Nature Immunology volume 2, pages 777–780 (2001)Cite this article

Autoimmune diseases are more prevalent in women than men. A new interest in understanding the biology of this difference as well as funding opportunities have focused attention on research priorities in sex differences.

The study of autoimmune diseases has intensified within the past two decades, paralleling the virtual explosion of information and research conducted on the immune system. With an increased understanding of innate immunity, adaptive immune recognition, lymphocyte activation and the principles of immune tolerance, the tools are in place for creative approaches to the treatment and prevention of autoimmune diseases.

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Figure 1: The sex distribution of the major autoimmune diseases.
Figure 2: A model for the multifactorial nature of autoimmune disease.

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  1. Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology and Medical Genetics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health, Columbus, 43210-1239, OH, USA

    Caroline C. Whitacre

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  1. Caroline C. Whitacre
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Whitacre, C. Sex differences in autoimmune disease. Nat Immunol 2, 777–780 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/ni0901-777

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